How a Tomboy Model Does Beauty

At first glance, Ashley Smith might seem like one of the boys—the golden-haired model surfs a mean wave and spent most of her pre-modeling days hanging at the local Austin skate park—but a quick scroll through her portfolio proves that she also embodies “bombshell” in every sense (remember that one spread she did for Sports Illustrated?). In other words, she’s the girl next door who also happens to have perfect genes—and her beauty secrets need to be discussed ASAP.

With this goal in mind, we caught up with the RVCA ambassador and asked for the secret to her signature beach-babe beauty look—from her hair saviors to the sunscreen that doesn’t clog her (nonexistent) pores. Lucky for us, Smith had plenty to share (not least of which includes her habit of swishing coconut oil around in her mouth).

Smith: Still being a young woman, I don’t fuss around too much with super-crazy beauty products or age-defying “miracles.” I try to keep it simple—just basic love and care.

Word. What’s your everyday skin routine like?

Smith: When I first wake up in the morning, I drink a huge glass of water. This is important, because if your body is dehydrated, it won’t be able to function or flush out the toxins properly. I wash my face with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($10) every day to wash off remnants of my job and the city, but about once a week or every other week, I do a Dead Sea mud mask. You don’t have to buy an expensive one—I even buy the individual pouches from Duane Reade, and they’re really good. Ahava has a good Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask ($33), which is made with active Dead Sea minerals. And then depending on if it’s night or day, I moisturize lightly with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($27)—but sometimes, I just use coconut oil.

Glad to know you’re on the coconut oil bandwagon!

Smith: Coconut oil is one of my favorite products, period, because it's so good for both your hair and skin. I swear by Dr. Bronner’s Organic Fair Trade Virgin Coconut Oil($15). I even do coconut oil pulling, where you swish coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Plus, it smells like heaven!

A lot of your shoots take place on the beach—do you have any sunscreens you swear by?

Smith: I like to switch up my shampoo and conditioner a lot. Right now, I’m using Aveda Shampure Shampoo ($40) and Conditioner ($40). I like the way it smells, and it’s simple. I do splurge a little on my hair masks, with Shu Uemura Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment($68). It helps keep my blond color looking bright and smells amazing. And yes, coconut oil also happens to be amazing for your hair.

If you aren’t rocking beachy waves, what’s your go-to hairstyle?

Smith: If I don’t feel like fussing with my hair, I tend to just put it in two pigtails.

Can you share your wavy-hair secret with us?

Smith: I’ve sat in many hairdressers’ chairs while they try to replicate the “day at the beach” look, but there’s really no match for the waves you get after spending time in the ocean!

You clearly don’t need an ounce of makeup—but are there any makeup products you do swear by?

Smith: I don’t wear too much makeup, because there is plenty of time for that later in life. I like to accentuate what I already have, rather than cover up. Mascara and lip balm are pretty much it—I keep it very simple. I don’t fuss with waterproof stuff, because it’s hard to take off. And honestly, if you are going to get wet, just don’t wear makeup.

What about beach-to–night out essentials—what products are always in your bag?

Smith: I have a few products that are always in my beach bag: sunscreen (reapply after you get out of the water), Smith’s Rosebud Salve($6), Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18), and Olio e Osso Tinted Balm ($28) in No. 4, an all-natural product. Never underestimate the power of a lip balm with a little tint in it! You can use it on your eyes, cheeks, and lips, and it’s so easy to carry around. Then, just throw on some mascara and you’re ready to go!

Smith: I can’t think of anything off the top of my head, but being a beachgoer myself, I know you have to be crafty—you keep your beach bag simple and use what you have. Can I use my board wax for lip balm? I don’t know. But think outside the box. Use what you have.